The application procedure for a designated research area is the same as the procedure for other research areas. Applicants should remember to check the box on the application (on each application for a director and/or CI position) indicating that they are applying for a designated research area. Applications for designated research areas will be given priority for review.

Yes. Please update your application (Center Category I) if you previously applied for a director position, or change the application type to a CI position at a Pioneering Research Center (PRC, Center Category II) and resubmit it. The previous application will be automatically withdrawn upon submission of a new application.

The numbers are not determined yet. However, in the case of PRCs（Center Category II), Centers will be established only in designated research areas and CIs will be selected gradually to operate PRC(s).

Yes. The overall selection and evaluation process is the same, except that the research areas are specified. (Document evaluation → In-depth evaluation → Comprehensive evaluation → Negotiation and appointment). However, Search Committees may be established for some designated research areas to identify suitable candidates, and applications received as a result thereof will be reviewed.

Yes. The designated research areas may be reviewed and modified from the original plans, especially if a suitable director cannot be found within two years after a job-opening notification for those areas was first announced.